That Time in Moscow Page 9
“Her name is Collins. She’s ten now and lives in Buffalo.” Wolfgang met Megan’s gaze, fully aware that his eyes were red. “She’s had it since she was a kid. My family . . . well, my parents died. It was kind of a mess. Edric was there, and he offered to help. He told me I could take care of Collins, and get her good medical care, all while having some adventures. I guess that’s how it all started. Me and SPIRE.”
It all just bubbled out before he could stop it. The words tumbled over themselves in a rush. Wolfgang cursed himself, but it was too late now. The lid was off, and he was exposed.
“When was that?” Megan said softly.
Wolfgang sighed. He saw West Virginia again, green and hot in the grip of summer. He saw his mother lying in a corner of their beat-up single-wide, bleeding and bruised. Not moving. He heard Collins crying from the couch, screaming for her mommy. Then he saw the New River Gorge Bridge stretching out over the churning New River, far below. He saw his father standing there in the dark, drunk and screaming.
“I was fifteen. It was six years ago.”
He was at once embarrassed and relieved. He’d told no one the details of that night—he hadn’t even discussed it with Edric, even though Edric was there. He’d not even said the words out loud to himself, and he never would. But maybe telling Megan where he was from and that he had a family once . . . maybe that was enough.
It was enough to ease the pain, at least for now.
Megan put a hand on his, giving it a soft squeeze, and then she smiled.
“Wonderboy, back again!”
Megan and Wolfgang piled into the plane as Edric appeared from the aft cabin. He stood next to the minibar, his face still bruised and battered, but a light in his eyes that Wolfgang hadn’t seen in a while. The interior of the jet was warm, with soft yellow lights and inviting leather seats so comfortable that Wolfgang wanted to crash down and fall asleep right away.
The door shut behind him, and almost immediately the plane taxied to the runway. Wolfgang and Megan settled into seats and strapped themselves in as Edric poured himself a bourbon and turned a megawatt smile on the two.
“Well done. Both of you. Damn good job.”
Lyle sniffed from a back seat, and Kevin muttered a curse. Edric turned the grin toward them and lifted the glass. “Calm down, guys. I haven’t forgotten you.” Edric settled into a seat as the plane’s engines spun up and the aircraft gained speed on the runway. He took a sip, then faced each of them, one at a time. “You guys broke protocol. You took some shitty risks. You put the entire mission on the line.”
Kevin snorted. “And right about now, I’m wondering . . . why?”
Edric laughed. “I owe you one. All of you. Here’s to Charlie Team!”
Everybody with a drink raised it, then sloshed liquor over themselves as the plane’s nose reached for the sky. Wolfgang felt the ground disappear beneath them, and he settled back in the seat. He looked at Megan across from him and thought again about words unsaid.
Those words he would keep, he decided. For a little longer.
Kevin and Lyle started shot-gunning questions about Koslov to Wolfgang and Megan. Mercifully, Megan offered the answers, allowing Wolfgang to lie back and relax for the first time in days. He didn’t pay attention as Edric stiffened in his chair, glancing down at his phone. He didn’t turn his head as Edric stood up suddenly and walked to the cockpit, the smile vanishing from his face. But he sat up when Edric burst back into the cabin and placed his hand on Wolfgang’s seat.
“Somebody just attacked SPIRE. The director’s daughter has been kidnapped.”
The plane fell into stunned silence as they all turned toward Edric. Then he answered their question before anybody could ask. “We’re going to Rio.”
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About the Author
Logan Ryles is the author of the action-thriller Reed Montgomery series, and the Wolfgang Pierce series. Originally from Alabama, he now lives with his wife in Tennessee. You can learn more about Logan’s books, sign up for email updates, and connect with him directly by visiting LoganRyles.com.
Also by Logan Ryles
The Wolfgang Pierce Novella Series
Prequel: That Time in Appalachia (coming soon)
Book 1: That Time in Paris
Book 2: That Time in Cairo
Book 3: That Time in Moscow
Book 4: That Time in Rio (coming May 21)
Book 5: That Time in Tokyo (coming June 4)
Book 6: That Time in Sydney (coming June 18)
The Reed Montgomery Thriller Series
Prequel: Sandbox, a short story (read for free at LoganRyles.com)
Book 1: Overwatch
Book 2: Hunt to Kill
Book 3: Total War
Book 4: Smoke & Mirrors
Book 5: Survivor
Book 6: Death Cycle (coming soon)
Book 7: Sundown (coming soon)
Visit LoganRyles.com to receive a free copy of Sandbox.
LoganRyles.com